Texas Sen. Ted Cruz vows to speak till he can't against Obamacare

WASHINGTON - Freshman Sen. Ted Cruz says he will speak until he's no longer able to stand in opposition to President Barack Obama's health care law.

Standing on the Senate floor Tuesday afternoon, Cruz began a lengthy speech urging his colleagues to oppose moving ahead on a bill he supports. The measure would prevent a government shutdown and defund Obamacare.

Cruz's quixotic approach is designed to prevent Majority Leader Harry Reid from stripping the health care provision from the bill. But Cruz faces opposition from his Republican leaders, Mitch McConnell and John Cornyn, as well as other Republican senators.

A test vote is set for Wednesday.

The Texas senator, who has the backing of conservative groups, said all across the country Americans are suffering because of the 3-year-old health care law.